Seeing Clearly

Wavefront has been called "an evolutionary leap" beyond lasik--it measures not just the cornea but the entire path that light takes in and out of the eye. This allows readings comparable to fingerprinting, which is why it's also called custom lasik.

The wavefront laser can treat nearsightedness and astigmatism; surgeons hope it will soon be used on farsightedness as well. It can work in cases where conventional lasik has not, such as large pupils.

"This is the first laser procedure demonstrated to improve night vision," says Dr. Roy Rubinfeld of Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons in Chevy Chase.

Nationally, wavefront costs $2,000 an eye on average, about $400 more than lasik; prices tend to be higher around Washington.